A Question for Anyone who has Undergone Chemo

Kaelie · Regular Joined: 11 May 2005 Posts: 29

Hi,

I have recently been diagnosed with melanoma. I have not yet been told what stage, but have been told that chemo is in my future. My question to you all is this:

[b]Knowing what you do now about the effects of chemotherapy, if you had a week or two before it started and were in good health, what would you do? [/b]

Vacation isn't an option at the moment because of all of the diagnostic appointments, but beyond that give me your ideas. I want to make the most of these next few weeks.

--Kaelie
age 36, married, mother of 4.

Overwhelmed · New User Joined: 25 Jan 2005 Posts: 6 Location: Florida

Well depending on the dosage of chemo you are given, some people actually tolerate it well sometimes. Before the treatment regiment I was given, I just tried to spend extra time with my daughter and husband, took her to the park to play, spent time playing board games at the house, while I got my house in order i.e. cleaning, laundry a bit. I also contacted my daughters teacher at school to let them know about my upcoming treatment, They were a great help and very understanding, I also set up my bills on line through my bank to be paid automatically when I set up the dates prior. It took some stress of me and my families shoulders and occupied my time (Tried to keep my mind off of it, just in general stayed busy). After the treatment, was nausea's and spent most of the time on the couch, Daughter was kinda sad that mommy wasn't feeling good alot and she wanted to help, bring me water laid down with me, brought me blankets, little things she could do and we watched favorite movies together. Made her feel like she was helping take care of me, kind of eased the confussion a little, and made me feel better too. I hope your treatment goes well.
_________________
God Bless

caryam · New User Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 9

I'm sorry to hear about your upcoming chemo, but believe it or not, it's possible to not only survive, but to really thrive in spite of it...my wife has been on chemotherapy for nearly three years now and we have managed to travel half way around the world, to Bali, Japan, and have been to Hawaii twice...all while Lori was on chemo...

That's not to say it's never bad, but as you get used to a drug you will start to get a feel for how it effects you - which days you will feel bad, which days you will feel good - and then you will be able to plan your life around it.

I guess to answer your question, I've never been on chemo myself, but as a caregiver I feel that the thing my wife misses the most is just being treated like a normally-healthy person. Even when she feels fine, others treat her a little differently and it drives her kinda' nuts.

I hope all goes well for you, don't ever forget that the cancer IS NOT you. It is not what you are about. It is just one small chapter in your wonderful, long life.

Best,
_________________
-Cary

SFGiants13 · Senior User Joined: 21 Feb 2005 Posts: 121 Location: CA SF

How long do you have to stay in the hospital?

Well of course your highest priority is to stay positive, I know its hard to believe that, even for me, but in my circumstance, a week before treatment I just got on with my usual self; it wasn't until a day or two before treatment tihat I really started getting my things together and figuring out what I need the most for those 25+ days of in-patient treatment.

I know chemo is pretty intense, but you shouldn't have to worry. For me I've been through so many chemo treatments where vomitting was the major problem but that's about it. If you're going for regular chemo then there shouldn't really be any serious side effects. The high dose chemo in april 05 effected my hearing in my left ear but I can still hear.

Wish you have a successful treatment Kaelie! Stay strong!

jacques recinella · New User Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 8

Kaelie,
Live life to its fullest. If chemo is in your future,it may not have the negative impact as you may think. Please make sure you get a 2nd opinion from a major center noted for treating melanoma.
Now is not the time to start new diets and exercise regimes. Eat a healthy normal diet. Do not start new high dose supplements and exercise. Take each day at a time. We tend to look to the future or as some say the light at the end of the tunnel. Cancer is a chronic disease at its best, so its a new mind set you need to embrace. A support group is also helpful. Not every melanoma patient has the same experience as we all deal with our disease based on our previous life experiences.
I realise you are being hit with an awful lot right now. If you do decide to start chemo or a clinical trial do what you feel is right for you. Also, this is a very hard thing to decide upon at this time, but you should look into a health proxy. Decide what you want done in the case your situation gets to the point where you cannot make the decisions for yourself, especially in light of having children.
Speaking of children there are support groups that offer help in telling children about your disease etc. This may be something to look into.

	Cancer Forums Forum Index -> General Cancer topics	All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

A website for discussions about any type of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, prostate cancer, laryngeal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and others